Applications are reviewed on a first come first served basis contingent upon availability of funds.

MEETING DATE
(Meeting Dates are subject to change without notice)

APPLICATION DEADLINE

Apr 9, 2019

Mar 22, 2019

May 14, 2019

Apr 26, 2019

Jun 11, 2019

May 24, 2019

July 9, 2019

Jun 21, 2019

No Meeting in August

N/A

Sept 10, 2019

Aug 23, 2019

Oct 8, 2019

Sept 20, 2019

Nov 12, 2019

Oct 25, 2019

No Meeting in December

N/A

Loan Program Summary:
In conjunction with MainStreet Bank, the FRHC will make available home improvement loans up to $250,000.00 with no interest paid by the borrower for the first two years. Interest on this loan will be paid by the FRHC during the 24-month term. At the end of the initial two-year term, the homeowner may pay off the loan or apply to refinance into a conventional mortgage or home equity line of credit.

The loan approval process is two-fold. Project applications are first reviewed by the FRHC. Once approved, applicants will be referred to MainStreet Bank to begin the bank loan approval process. At this time the applicant will need to provide the bank with all appropriate financial information and project plans requested by the bank representative.

Applications are not fully approved until the loan closing takes place with MainStreet Bank. If work is started before the loan closes, your application may be denied.

FRHC Guidelines:

These guidelines provide a summary of requirements only. For more information email the Neighborhood RenaissanceOffice or call 703.385.2494.

Only City of Fairfax residents are eligible. (Prospective City homeowners with contracts to purchase are also eligible to apply.)

The home must be a single family detached house, townhouse, duplex or condominium. It must be owner-occupied and only the homeowner may apply.

The home must be at least ten years old.

You may submit only one application per home.

Homes with an assessed tax value of $750,000 or more are ineligible.

The home must exhibit one or more of, but not limited to, the following conditions: exterior or interior deterioration, functional obsolescence, or lack of amenities found in today’s new homes (such as master bedroom suites, two car garages, etc.).

All required paperwork and/or permits must be applied for and be approved by your homeowners and/or condominium association (if applicable), the City of Fairfax, and the FRHC.

Improvements must be completed within eighteen months of the loan closing date in order to avoid an interest reimbursement to FRHC. (The interest reimbursement will be equal to the amount of interest paid by the FRHC on the loan for the period that the loan was in place. Under extraordinary circumstances this guideline may be waived by the FRHC Board of Directors.)

The loan proceeds must be spent on the approved residential improvements.

Loan proceeds may not be used to pay off or pay down loans made prior to FRHC loan closing date.

You may be required to spend up to twenty-five percent of the loan proceeds on exterior improvements, such as the entryway, walkway, or landscape at the front or sides of your home. (May be waived at the discretion of the FRHC Board of Directors.)

The home must remain owner-occupied and cannot be sold for at least thirty six (36) months after the loan closing date in order to avoid an interest reimbursement to the FRHC. (The interest reimbursement will be equal to the amount of interest paid by the FRHC on the loan for the period that the loan was in place. Under extraordinary circumstances this guideline may be waived by the FRHC Board of Directors.)

Both the project and the loan must be approved before any work may start.

The loan amount may not be increased after its bank closing date.

MainStreet Bank Guidelines:

The FRHC Home Improvement Loan is a home equity line. Although the FRHC will pay the interest for two years, the loan is secured by a lien on your home.

This loan is a home equity line and will be secured by a second place deed of trust against your primary residence. If there is an existing second mortgage or lien it must be paid off or refinanced into the first trust mortgage before the FRHC loan can be settled.

The loan requires monthly payments of interest during the two-year term. The FRHC will pay the interest for the two year term, and none of the principal is due until the end of the initial two-year term.

At the end of the initial two-year term, the homeowner may pay off the loan or apply to refinance into a conventional mortgage or home equity line of credit.

Availability of credit subject to completed application with MainStreet Bank and full credit underwriting and subject to credit approval.

To Apply:
Fill out an application (LTV limits will apply – see application form) and submit it, along with the non-refundable application fee, to: Tina Gillian, City of Fairfax, City Hall, 10455 Armstrong St. Room 207A (Community Planning & Development).

Additional Loan Program Notes:

Home Tour on Meeting Date: On the day of the meeting, the FRHC will review the application and conduct a tour of the home to discuss the project with the homeowner. The homeowner will need to be present at the home on the meeting date.

Quarterly Status Updates and FRHC Sign: During the twenty four (24) month term of the 0% interest loan, program participants must provide the FRHC with quarterly project status reports.

During the renovation process the FRHC and MainStreet Bank have the right to post a sign in the front yard of the property and to inspect the project property at any time.

Every spring the Community Appearance Committee presents awards to exceptional homes in the community. Landscaping, lighting and the general condition of the property are taken into consideration along with the appearance of the house. Homes may be nominated for consideration.
Please contact 703.385.7995 for more information.